If you’re looking for a recipe that’s going to use up some of the summer bounty, Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables are it!
This is a recipe that’s going to bridge summer into fall, Oh gosh, I said the “F” word, didn’t I? But here it is, mid-August and I know it’s hard to believe it’s all going to be over soon. The kiddos are/will be back at school. We’ll be thinking sweaters and boots. And the long lazy summer days are going to be behind us.
About Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables:
This recipe really has it going on. It’s got some of the roots, sweet potatoes, parsnips (do you eat those? I’m just wild about them. They’re like a carrot with some personality) and carrots. Then there’s the red onion that cooks down to caramelized sweetness, some poblano pepper strips for a little zip and zucchini. Lots and lots of zucchini, which isn’t necessarily my favorite, but just about stole the show. It was seriously indescribably delish!
The best part about Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables is the huge flavors. Not hot flavors, no not at all, Just as the title says, Smoky flavor from the ancho chiles (anchos are mild) to the Smoked Paprika, the copious amounts of garlic and the poblano strips. Those poblanos all but melt into the veggies. Not one flavor stood out, it was just a perfect melange of flavor.
I lifted this recipe from the Washington Post. They lifted it from Sunset magazine. Back in the 70’s my Aunt from California used to save her Sunsets for my Mom (we lived in Iowa) and I remember how I used to thumb through it looking at all the recipes. And all the veggies we didn’t have access to! Just thinking about Sunset magazine brought back some good memories for me. And it goes to show that even then, as a 14 to 15 year old, I was reading food magazines, lol! I also read every issue of my Mom’s Gourmet, cover to cover. What a geek, huh?! I guess today, looking at all the kids in the kitchen on tv, it doesn’t compare, though. Back then was a different story, tho.
Making Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables:
The point of this recipe (it makes a huge amount, about 12 cups of veggies) is to cook once and then refashion them into different meals, or maybe freeze some of them for later. That being said, Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables would be marvelous at a big family dinner party. Maybe Thanksgiving. Sorry, sorry, I know it’s still summer. I’m really jumping the gun, now. This recipe is easy to cut in half if you want. You might be sorry though, they’re so delish you’ll just want to snack on them and they’ll be gone before you know it!
I made my Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables in the oven. Actually, I cooked them ahead and had them roasting before I went to bed so I didn’t mind heating up the kitchen. It goes without saying, don’t do this if you’re in danger of nodding off in the evenings, though. These could also be made in foil packets and done on the grill, but you will want to put them into two packets. larger packets are unwieldy and prone to leaking when moved. If two packets will take up all your grill space, cut the recipe in half.
Other than that, there’s really nothing to the recipe. I roasted my poblano ahead of time and peeled it, but after seeing how beautifully browned all the veggies were, I think that step could have been skipped altogether. Just make sure you use veggies you love and feel free to use this recipe as a guide, substituting with your faves. And don’t be afraid of the amounts of the spices, it’s really just right.
Saving Money on Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables:
It pretty much goes without saying that if you want to bring Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables at a budget, choose your vegetables wisely. If zucchini is expensive, maybe summer squash is on sale. If poblanos are super pricey, maybe green bell peppers can be a good substitute. Always try to be open-minded at the market and use more of the less expensive veggies punctuated with smaller amounts of the pricier ones.
You’ll find good prices on Olive oil at both Costco and Aldi. I also watch for sales on olive oil at my grocery. It’s highly competitive, especially when a new brand hits the market. If you do have a large bottle or jug, consider decanting it into two smaller bottles. Use one and keep the other in a dark cupboard.
Do make sure to have recipes in mind to use all of your Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables, or divide and freeze so they don’t languish in the fridge. They’ll be fantastic with almost any protein, salmon, chicken, and pork, especially. I’ll also be a beautiful salad using these veggies. Photo shown above.
Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables
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1 pound (1 large or 2 smaller) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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1 large red onion, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges through the root section
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2 to 3 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices
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1 poblano chile peppers, stemmed, seeded, cut in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices (see note)
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1 pound carrots, trimmed, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
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1 pound parsnips, (about 3 if large, 4 if medium) trimmed, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
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1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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6 medium cloves garlic, cut into thin slices
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1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
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1 tablespoon hot Spanish smoked paprika
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salt of choice, 2 teaspoons or so
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Freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon or so
Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 425 degrees. Have 2 large rimmed baking sheets at hand. Do not line sheet trays with foil.
Combine the sweet potatoes, onion, zucchini, poblanos, carrots, and parsnips in a large mixing bowl; toss with the oil, garlic, ground ancho and smoked Spanish paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the mixture between the baking sheets, spreading it in a single layer. Divide any remaining oil in the bowl as well, drizzling over the vegetables. Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring and tossing every 10 minutes or so. You will need to use a wide thin spatula to scrape up the spices that settle to the bottom of the pan. If foil-lined, it will be impossible to do.
To Grill:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Divide among two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Fold around mixture, crimping edges to seal.
Grill, covered, over medium heat for 40 to 45 minutes to an hour or until sweet potatoes are tender, turning two to three times. Open, being careful of the hot steam.
Make Ahead:
The roasted vegetables can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen, preferably in freezer-safe plastic food storage bags, for several months. Use in the related recipes, or allow to cool, then store as desired.
Note: I roasted and peeled the poblano before slicing and adding to the recipe. I think this extra step could be skipped as the vegetables brown so beautifully.
from the kitchen of www.frugalhausfrau.com, adapted from the Washington Post
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I’ll be sharing Smoky Sheet Tray Roasted Vegetables at Fiesta Friday 236, hosted this week by Julianna @ Foodie on Board and Debanita @ Canvassed Recipes. Stop by and take a peek at their sites. You’ll love Julianna’s food – everything she makes has a special touch that takes it over the top. I’ve only just begun exploring Debanita’s blog, but the scope of her recipes is outstanding! You never know what you’ll find.
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